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Interview with Kailee Reese Samuels

What's the story behind your latest book?

The story behind my latest book is an insightful look into the journey that a handful of characters go on through the years. All set within a BDSM school, "Juliet", to give it some lure. Ultimately, the book is about exploring relationships and ourselves.

What is the greatest joy of writing for you?

The element of surprise is always high up on the list. No matter how much I may outline or scribble out initial ideas, the first draft always twists and turns in ways I never expect. And that is a real adrenaline rush. When I am looking at the screen going, "OMG, what did you just do?" Initially, I am often as surprised as my readers.

When did you first start writing?

I was writing almost as soon as I was walking. I can remember drawing pictures, thinking those pictures needed words in order to be complete, and writing poems on top of the pictures.

What is your writing process?

Write. Write. Write. I don't think that there is a clear-cut mold for writers. Everyone does it different. When I am in writing-mode, I get a little neurotic. Sometimes more than a little depending on the character. Then there are days or even weeks that pass when I am completely quiet, not writing at all, then it just erupts out of the blue.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?

Charlotte's Web. Completely immersed. I am not one of these people that can just read anything and everything, the story really has to hold me in, and that was the first one that gave me that feeling that I was there in the barnyard with Charlotte and Wilbur.

What motivated you to become an indie author?

I never really considered any other route to publishing. My stories are my paintings and places like Smashwords serve as my gallery.

How do you approach cover design?

I generally always have a mental idea of what I want. Much like tattoos have meanings, so do my book covers. And my book designer, Natasha C. Snow is excellent at interpreting my many ramblings.

When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?

I adore gardening. Particularly tomatoes (one year I started right at 400, over 100 varieties of heirloom). Baking and quilting. I am a hermit though on occasion I do enjoy traveling. But the cancer crab (July) in me is ultimately a homebody.

How do you discover the ebooks you read?

Oh gosh! I find books everywhere. Twitter, FB, you name it. Nine times out of ten it's not because of an ad I see, but a mention I read. Rarely do covers grab me. "Marrow" by Tarryn Fisher and "Samaria: Warrior Princess: Paranormal" by Jaxx Summers are two covers that have gotten me.

What are your five favorite books, and why?

"Carrie's Story" by Molly Weatherfield - The book that changed everything."Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert - What was not to love?"Natural Law" by Joey W. Hill - Absolutely awesome."Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See - Brilliant storytelling."The Last Hour of Gann" by R. Lee Smith - Meoraq, the Sword of Sheul. The book boyfriend to end all. Yeah, I know. I'm strange.

Published 2015-06-06.

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